The RISING STAR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD is given to one volunteer advocate who has been a volunteer for less than four (4) consecutive years and has demonstrated a special level of dedication to his/her program.

Eligibility and Criteria
Eligibility
-Must be a current CASA volunteer
-Must have been volunteering for less than (4) consecutive years
-Cannot be a paid staff member
-Affiliated program must operate in compliance with National CASA's Standards for Local CASA/GAL Programs

Criteria
-Evidence that the Nominee has made significant contributions toward promoting the best interests of abused and neglected children and providing quality advocacy for children.
-Evidence that the Nominee promotes and supports the CASA/GAL program in the community.

Award and Recognition
The RISING STAR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR will receive the following in honor of their service and dedication:

-A paid registration to the 2021 Celebrate Kids! Conference*
-Two nights paid at the Hyatt Regency during the 2021 Conference
-Recognition at the 2021 Ohio CASA Day in Ohio


Nomination Process
All questions must be answered using the online form below. Please limit each answer to 250 words.

All materials must be received by Ohio CASA/GAL Association by August 15, 2020.

In addition, you may submit an additional brief letter of support by someone who has knowledge of the nominee’s skills and devotion to CASA and its mission. Submission of letters of support should be done via email to kglumac@ohiocasa.org by the aforementioned deadline. All nominators will receive email confirmation that their submission was received by Ohio CASA/GAL Association.

*Due to Covid-19, Ohio CASA had to make the tough decision to cancel the 2020 Celebrate Kids! Conference. Therefore, award winners will enjoy free registration and hotel lodging for the 2021 Celebrate Kids! Conference which will take place on October 4 - 6, 2021. Please note that the 2021 conference takes place on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 

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* 1. RISING STAR Nominee

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* 2. Individual Making Nomination

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* 3. Why is this nominee deserving of recognition? In your answer, please explain and provide examples of how the nominee goes above and beyond the duties of a CASA volunteer.

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* 4. Discuss the nominee's strengths and skills that contribute to his/her effectiveness as a child advocate. Please provide specific examples of how the nominee demonstrates diligence, thoroughness, and persistence in conducting research, ensuring the system responds to the needs of the child, and representing the child's best interest to the court.

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* 5. Describe how the nominee exemplifies a high level of ethics and respect in the role of CASA/GAL volunteer.

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* 6. Give a case example of how the nominee has significantly impacted the life of a child.

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* 7. Do you (or other individuals) plan to provide supplemental documentation in support of this nominee? If so, please forward any and all supporting documentation to kglumac@ohiocasa.org

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